Zomato-HDFC Pension Launch NPS for Gig Workers’ Retirement

In a groundbreaking move for India’s gig economy, Zomato and HDFC Pension unveiled the ‘NPS Platform Workers Model’ on October 3, 2025, marking the first-of-its-kind retirement security initiative for delivery partners. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman formally launched the program during NPS Diwas celebrations in New Delhi, addressing a critical gap in financial planning for platform workers.

Bridging the Retirement Gap

According to NITI Aayog’s 2022 report, India’s platform workforce is projected to reach 23.5 million by FY2029-30. Despite this explosive growth, retirement savings among gig workers remain virtually nonexistent due to limited awareness and access to formal retirement benefits. The Zomato-HDFC Pension collaboration directly tackles this alarming gap.

The NPS Platform Workers Model enables Zomato’s delivery partners to build long-term financial security through small, regular contributions. Benefits include a retirement lump sum, monthly pension, and portability options allowing workers to carry forward benefits as their careers evolve.

Seamless Digital Onboarding

HDFC Pension, enabled by Kfintech (the Central Recordkeeping Agency), has streamlined enrollment using existing KYC or eKYC data with worker consent. Over 30,000 delivery partners generated their PRANs (Permanent Retirement Account Numbers) within 72 hours of integration. Zomato commits to enrolling over 100,000 delivery partners by year-end 2025.

Aditya Mangla, CEO of Zomato, emphasized: “Our delivery partners are at the core of Zomato. With HDFC Pension, we’re taking a step beyond daily livelihood—towards long-term financial security and assurance in retirement.”

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Beyond Retirement: Comprehensive Support

Zomato operates a gig-first model supporting approximately 509,000 independent monthly active delivery partners as of Q1 FY26. The company’s commitment extends beyond retirement planning through comprehensive benefits including health insurance covering hospitalization, daycare treatment (₹1 lakh), OPD expenses (₹5,000), maternity coverage, and teleconsultations—all at zero cost to partners.

Additional support includes ₹10 lakh personal accident coverage, 24×7 SOS assistance across 800+ cities, real-time earnings tracking, and 4,500+ rest points with seating, drinking water, and phone-charging facilities.

Industry Impact

Sriram Iyer, Managing Director & CEO of HDFC Pension, highlighted the model’s broader significance: “Through the ‘NPS Platform Workers Model’, individuals can now start planning for their retirement. This contributes towards bringing a larger section of our population under the umbrella of long-term financial security.”

As India’s gig economy expands rapidly, this collaboration sets a powerful precedent for platform companies prioritizing worker welfare. The initiative represents more than retirement planning—it’s about restoring dignity and stability to workers powering India’s digital transformation.

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